But Villa’s poor relationship with the Canaries following Lambert’s acrimonious exit from Carrow Road could provide a stumbling block to the move.

Belgian international Defour is an alternative target and the 25-year-old’s agent confirmed Villa have declared an interest in the playmaker.

Lambert admits the current Villa squad lacks a creative influence to link midfield and attack and insists he has identified potential players.

“I call them No.10s,” said Lambert. “I think people that can make things happen are important, because they take a risk and they take a chance. If you can get somebody like that in your side they can make things happen.

“They’re a special type of player, they know how to get into little pockets on the pitch to try and make things happen and that’s something you try and look at. They’re worth their weight in gold if you can get them - and pretty dear.

“I think every window, whether you are winning and on top of your game or not getting results, you always try and freshen it up and build it.”

Norwich boss Chris Hughton denied Villa had made a bid for Hoolahan, who has 18 months left on his contract, and insists the midfielder was left out of the Canaries 1-1 FA Cup draw with Fulham on Saturday because of an unspecified injury.

Meanwhile, Defour’s representative, Paul Stefani, confirmed his player is a target for Lambert, saying: “Aston Villa have let it be known that they are interested in Defour.

“It is not yet concrete, and it is the same story for other clubs that I can’t name.

“Steven is certainly open to joining an attractive club on condition that they offer him more playing time than he has at present.

“He’s not unhappy at Porto but he needs to be playing regularly with an eye on the World Cup.”

Lambert knows Villa must find a player who can add variety to their play, particularly at Villa Park where the patience of the fanbase is wearing thin because of a dire home record.

“Somebody told me this home form goes back five years,” he said.

“It’s strange, because we don’t set our stall out any differently away from home to home.

“Teams might come here and sit and try and frustrate you. The bigger ones will come out and play, but the teams in and about you, or lower than you, sit and it’s up to us to break that. We have to have that creativity.

“It must be as frustrating as anything for the fans, so I understand. I’m not naive.”